Bookies surprised by Doctor Who time lord choice

Jodie Whittaker surprises bookies with Doctor Who role.

“Given that we had Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Tilda Swinton and Olivia Colman at relatively short prices, we thought there was a very real possibility that the next Doctor could be female but as the race approached the final furlong this weekend, Jodie Whittaker came up on the outside to bag one of the most coveted jobs in television,” – William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly. “She was relatively unfancied to get the role and at first glance, there were very few punters who managed to turn a profit on her.”

William Hill have revealed that the biggest bet on Jodie Whittaker being named as Peter Capaldi’s replacement on Doctor Who was just £62.50 at odds of 4/1 on Friday. Her price had come in from 201/1 to 4/1 by the time betting finished on July 14th.

The actress’s casting as the thirteenth incarnation of the iconic Time Lord in the beeb sci-fi drama was unveiled in a trailer at the end of the Wimbledon men’s singles final on BBC One yesterday afternoon.

“I’m beyond excited to begin this epic journey… It’s more than an honour to play the Doctor. It means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope. I can’t wait.” – Jodie Whittaker

The casting of Whittaker is the first time in the production’s history an actress has taken the lead role of the time lord. The Doctor has been, over its twelve previous incarnations, always portrayed as a male. Of course this is just a guise, as the character is an alien who can regenerate into whatever form required. The same is true of the transport device the TARDIS, however the storyline goes that due to a fault its stuck in the form of a 1930s police box, which is of course now a rare sight on British streets, but was still common place when Doctor Who began in 1963.

Whittaker, who recently starred in ITV drama Broadchurch, will first be seen in the top sci-fi role in this year’s Christmas special when the current doctor – played by Peter Capaldi – regenerates. Scottish actor Capaldi has played the doctor since 2013, but announced his decision to leave the role in January.

The forthcoming series of Doctor Who is to be overseen by former Broadchurch executive Chris Chibnall.